It was the kind of performance that makes one think about what could’ve been, and it may even make some yearn for one more year.
The New York Jets’ offensive line kept their quarterback clean, and 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers looked as good as ever in Green & White. No longer bothered by nagging injuries, Rodgers turned back the clock in Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Spearheading a 32-25 road win that improved New York’s record to a disappointing 4-10, Rodgers passed for 289 yards and three touchdowns. He was also the team’s leading rusher with 45 yards on six carries.
“Obviously, I’ve felt a lot better. You guys know it. You’ve seen it the last few weeks,” said Rodgers.
The December 15 performance was a follow-up to the prior week’s 339-yard passing effort against the Miami Dolphins.
“He’s struggled with injury for a good part of the season and as he’s starting to get healthier, you’re starting to see Aaron Rodgers, the real Aaron Rodgers,” said interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
Through his reemergence, the four-time NFL MVP is quietly showing he still has something left in the tank and it may be the Jets’ best option at quarterback next year.
While Ulbrich likely won’t be around to see it through, using Rodgers as a bridge option in 2025 makes sense.
“He’s an historic player. He’s done things in this league that have never been done before. He’s got talent that is generational, and with all those things, and he’s won a ton of football in his career and with all that comes great expectations,” said Ulbrich.
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Rodgers has posted an above average stat line over a 14-game sample. He has completed 62.5 percent of passes for 3,255 yards and 23 touchdowns. Factoring in eight interceptions, his quarterback rating is a respectable 90.8.
Whoever is hired as the Jets’ next general manager would likely sign up for that level of production from the team’s starting quarterback.
© Brad Penner
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